The Parents Teachers Association (PTA) and school authorities of the Ghana Lebanon Islamic Secondary School (GLISS) in Accra have raised serious concerns about the safety and well-being of their students.
A slum that shares a wall with the school has become a haven for illicit activities, posing significant risks to students and exposing them to various social vices.
Parents, teachers fear
“The presence of the slum has created an atmosphere of anxiety, making it difficult for teachers to focus on their core mandate of imparting knowledge,” a parent said.
A PTA member, who wished to remain anonymous, stated, “The slum’s close proximity is exposing students to drugs, theft, and other forms of criminal activity. We fear that if nothing is done to address the situation, students may begin to emulate the negative behaviors they witness in the slum.”
Concerns about Teacher Safety
The PTA member also expressed concerns about teacher safety, saying, “Many teachers have expressed fears about working in an environment where security is compromised.”
“The school authorities are worried about the potential impact on the learning environment and the reputation of the school,” he added.
Previous attempts to address the Issue
According to sources, the school authorities had previously raised concerns about the development of the slum, but their warnings fell on deaf ears.
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) and the Regional Security Council attempted to intervene but were met with resistance from the squatters, who issued threats.
Call for intervention
The school authorities are now calling on major stakeholders, including the National Security, the Ministry of Education, and the Ghana Education Service, to intervene and address the situation.
They believe that the National Security has a responsibility to ensure that students learn in a safe and secure environment.
Parents’ concerns
Parents are worried about the safety of their children and are considering transferring them to other schools due to safety concerns.
The development of the slum has raised fears about potential incidents that could compromise the safety of students and staff.
Urgent action needed
The situation requires immediate attention from relevant authorities.
The Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service, and other stakeholders must come together to address the concerns raised by school authorities and ensure a safe learning environment for students.
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Francis Appiah
